The construction industry is on notice as state and territory workplace safety watchdogs hunt for businesses flouting rules around a ban on engineering stone. or signup to continue reading A ban on the stone, dubbed modern-day asbestos, came into effect on July 1. Some states and territories have allowed a transition period, while Victoria, Queensland and the ACT have decided against it.
In the past month, WorkSafe Victoria's silica field team made a surprise visit to 52 industry sites, issuing 25 compliance notices and seizing more than 65 samples of suspected engineered stone. Some of those samples were branded as porcelain and sintered stone and will be tested for silica and resin content. Businesses and individuals in NSW, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the NT are permitted to continue installing engineered stone if contracts were entered into on or before December 31, 2023, provided they be completed by December 31, 2024.
In South Australia, businesses that fail to follow the new laws could face fines of up to $42,000 while individuals could receive fines of up to $8400. Worksafe Tasmania has inspected one manufacturer since the ban came into effect. The ban was introduced in response to rapidly increasing rates of silicosis and silica-related diseases in Australian workers exposed to the crystalline silica dust while cutting the stone.
Silicosis is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that has impacted more than 680 Victorian workers since 2018, including 20 who died from the illness. WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin said importers, suppliers and manufacturers were put on notice prior to the ban and had ample time to comply. "Most businesses are doing the right thing and are moving away from engineered stone, but unfortunately we have found a small number have continued to put workers at risk," Mr Jenkin said.
"WorkSafe will continue to closely monitor the stone supply and manufacturing industry so if you're still working with engineered stone, expect a visit from our inspectors soon." Occupational health and safety regulations banning engineered stone apply to all employers, regardless of any previous contractual obligations. WorkSafe has already referred two duty holders for investigation for suspected supply and processing of engineered stone products.
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